Bar Guide 2014: Multnomah Whiskey Library

Climb past the long line on the stairs leading to Multnomah Whiskey Library and you’ll find a little secretary’s desk. At the desk sits a young woman in a white blouse and chunky beaded necklace, backed by a man in a gray flannel suit, skinny maroon tie and Mad Men eyeglasses. “There’s a three-hour wait,” the woman says as you survey this den of distilled spirits, counting at least 20 empty chairs. You can wait, or you can give them your name and number and maybe they will call. Maybe they won’t. If you get inside, there’s dimpled leather furniture, a fireplace flanked by stacks of split wood and two menus—one for spirits they’re “concentrating on,” the other listing bottles on the shelves—with drinks going for $8 or $54, depending on what you like. MARTIN CIZMAR.